example of cover letter for program manager position

3 Program Manager Cover Letter Examples + Tips in 2023

• Program Manager Cover Letter
• Technical Program Manager Cover Letter
• Senior Program Manager Cover Letter
• Write Your Program Manager Cover Letter
• Program Manager Cover Letter FAQs

Your  job skills  are too many to list. As a program manager, company projects, strategies, policies, values, and goals are your territory! You plan, organize, and oversee projects from inception to realization. You revise policies and plans while communicating efficiently with team members across departments, ensuring milestones are completed optimally and on time.

It’s likely you need a cover letter to land your next program manager role. If you’re gnashing your teeth at the thought of writing a cover letter to complement your  program manager resume , don’t worry! 

Cover letters are far from anyone’s favorite topic, but we’re here to help. Check out these three program manager cover letter samples, and stay tuned on how to use a company’s  program manager job description  to your advantage.

Program Manager Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

• When possible, demonstrate personality with your skills to show you’ll improve the company’s interpersonal dynamics. For example, Janie pinpoints personal values from the job description, such as humility and grit, and references them while describing her skills and metrics.
• Answer the specific call of each job description and company mission statement. Give specific examples of how you, as a program manager, already align with their vision. Show the company why you’re drawn to them, and spotlight the qualities that make you the ideal match.

Technical Program Manager Cover Letter Example

• Hook employers by making a memorable connection when you can! If you have experience with the company or have key qualifications that will further its goals, mention them right away.
• Research on the company website, and read the job description carefully. Look for “little things” that will have a big impact on your technical program manager cover letter, such as specific goals or phrases from the website or job listing.

Senior Program Manager Cover Letter Example

• On top of establishing a connection with the company, look for opportunities to show how you’ve already exemplified company values and left a lasting impact.
• By showing that you value the company, you’ll show the company why they should value you!
• The beginning and end of your cover letter should establish your connection with the company’s goals, and the body of your letter should offer quantifiable examples of how you qualify as a senior program manager. Look for specific details in the job requirements or company website that you can leverage.

Need a program manager resume to match?

Your program manager cover letter will look stunning next to one of our  modern resume templates  that you can edit, just like this one. 

Program Manager Resume

Need a resume to pair with your program manager cover letter?

or download as PDF

Writing a Cover Letter for a Program Manager

Lifeless program manager cover letters get tossed aside or overlooked immediately. Researching the company will help you focus on a couple of choice achievements that best align with each specific  program manager job listing  and mission statement. And revising your letter until you nail the perfect tone will further position you as an ideal candidate. 

Study the company

So many cover letters feature the same generic information applicable to any company—and who wants to read 10 repeats? To keep your program manager cover letter far from the “discard pile,” research the company so that you can establish a unique connection. Then, tailor your cover letter accordingly.

Confidently answer the job description’s call by pulling and referencing specific skills, buzzwords, or phrases that apply. The requirements and word choices in the job ad can also give you valuable hints on which metrics might be the most appropriate to include in your cover letter.

Read the job description carefully and take notes on anything that stands out as something you’ve done before—that way, you can easily remember concise anecdotes and impressive metrics once you start writing your cover letter. Did you spot any company obstacles during your research that were similar to something you’ve already overcome, such as the need to adapt to company supply chain issues?  

Click through the company’s website: We bet, with a little searching, you’ll find values, objectives, challenges, and a mission statement you can leverage to demonstrate alignment with and provide compelling examples from your professional history as a program manager. For instance, are you applying to a company that values humility in the workplace? If so, using precise wording to reference the times you guided teams at a peer level could be ideal. 

Focus on one or two successes

Always remember: Your program manager cover letter is  not meant to simply repeat the bullet points from your resume. Anyone in a managerial position must deliver high-value information efficiently, and making a recruiter read the same things twice wouldn’t be a good start. So, pick one or two achievements; then, go beyond the bullet-point overview to speak to your actions as well as your results.

For example, were you a program manager in retail, guiding multiple departments through the creation of a new product line, delighting customers worldwide? How did your analytical and strategic thinking help you create a fresh project development plan that reduced manual labor within your previous company? Did you happen to oversee a successful portfolio project that’s similar to one of the company’s current initiatives? Now’s the time to talk about it!

Although this example includes metrics and responsibilities, it also underscores the nurse’s compassion and interpersonal communication skills, which are major green lights for employers. 

Tone of voice matters

As a program manager, your optimal cover letter needs a bit more than a customized response to the job listing and some key examples of your accomplishments. You have a lot of value to showcase in less than one page, so don’t shirk revision. You can’t afford to leave typos or formatting errors—and you’ll need to polish your tone to ensure your message gets across the right way.

The tone of your cover letter plays an extremely important part in showing you’re meant for this job role. Demonstrate confidence, experience, and enthusiasm with active words like “create,” “lead,” “oversee,” and so on. Additionally, showcase your managerial background by remembering to apply a proactive tone to your broadest accomplishments that left the greatest impact.

Finally, pay attention to company culture: The more corporate the company, the more formal your tone should be. On the other hand, a fashion company like Nordstrom that values creativity and a vibrant personality will likely value some extra self-expression over constricting formalities. 

Showcase your managerial background by remembering to apply a proactive tone to your broadest accomplishments that left the greatest impact.

When recruiters and employers read your cover letter, you want them to know you’re qualified and an ideal fit for their company and teams.  

Cover Letter Outline for a Program Manager

Now that you’ve read three program manager cover letter examples and learned what to focus on while writing yous, let’s break it down with an outline. You’ll also get some examples of what not to do and further background on what makes a cover letter great.   

How to start a program manager cover letter

Your contact info:  Include your name, address, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn or other professional social media if you’re using a template that matches your  resume template .

• Formatting : Leave your name out of your address whenever you use a basic block format.

304 Folk Lore St. San Jose, CA 95112 (123) 456-7890 

Date:  This should be the exact date when you submit your application materials.

• Formatting : Write out the full date instead of shortening it.

January 5, 2023

Inside address:  The “inside address” is simply the address of the person who will receive your letter. Make sure you look up their name and include it before their title.

Jessica Manning, Hiring Manager Nordstrom 8652 Wellington Street Brooklyn, NY 11207

• Formatting : Each part of the address should be on a new line. Double-space between the inside address and greeting.

Greeting:  The greeting/salutation is your first impression, so don’t be careless here! Find the name of the employer, recruiter, or hiring manager (yes, it might take some digging on LinkedIn)—never fall back on generic, lazy terms like “Dear Sir/Madam.” (We’ve gotten these types of applications many times, and it never fails to leave a bad taste!)

Dear Ms. Manning, Dear Ms. Zhang:

• Formatting : Use a colon instead of a comma for more formal companies, but a comma will do just fine for companies that demonstrate a more casual or fun approach. 

How to write your program manager cover letter

Body:  Your program manager cover letter should include 3-4 paragraphs that demonstrate your interest in the position, your qualifying credentials, and an enthusiastic invitation for future discussion.

Opening paragraph:  Most cover letters are boring and generic from the get-go, but yours should be one-of-a-kind. Consider the following examples:

I’d like to work for your company. I’ve been a program manager for a long time and I’d do a good job working for you, too.

Why It’s Bad:  What a bland opener! And the rest is equally vague—how long has the applicant been a program manager? No one would believe they’d do a good job based on this—what accomplishments or skills do they have to back their claims?

As a long-time fan of Nordstrom’s vast style selection and a technically proficient program manager with 8+ years of experience and PMP/PgMP certifications, I’d love to apply my cross-functional planning, collaboration, and far-reaching organizational skills as your senior program manager.

Why It’s Good:  This applicant’s intro addresses the company directly and establishes a personal interest in what they do—and then immediately launches into the skills that make them a great fit for the role. Directly addressing the company, relevant qualifications, and job role by name is a powerful combo!

Paragraphs 2-3:  These next paragraphs should back up the claims in your introductory paragraph. Each paragraph should focus on a clear accomplishment (such as a substantial project you spearheaded) and prove it with only the most relevant metrics—you don’t have room to tackle multiple topics here.

Because I understood the inner workings of software lifecycles, I eliminated inefficiencies to save 14 hours of manual labor monthly for the software development team. I also analyzed customer feedback, testing data, and KPIs to bridge gaps among project teams and expedite the output of usable, scalable solutions, resulting in a 21-percent improvement in delivery time for new OTT Application features.

Why It’s Good:  The candidate uses their experience with software development and data analysis to drive performance. And the proof is in the pudding as the numbers back up this point and demonstrate efficiency. 

Closing paragraph:  Since communication is key for any program manager, wrap up with a strong and concise summary of how your credentials and values match what the company needs. End with a professional and convincing call to action. 

As you can see, I’d do great in you organization thanks to my skillset. I also have lots of experience. Call me if you want more information.

Why It’s Bad:  Was that a typo?! It certainly wasn’t a summary of the candidate’s qualifying skills or anything that shows a genuine interest in the job position! In fact, there’s no enthusiasm or show of professionalism here at all—and shouldn’t the applicant have already addressed relevant experience by now? 

Gaining expertise in managing and overseeing multiple initiatives through their lifecycles has granted me the ability to think on my feet and exceed expectations in a metric-driven setting. I am eager to apply my grit and passion for learning to deliver incredible data-driven results for Appen’s global customer base, and I’m excited to further discuss this with you soon. 

Why It’s Good:  It’s clear this applicant has researched the company and role since this closing paragraph references key phrases and abilities from the job description. Unique wording from the company’s website makes an appearance, too—perfect! Lastly, the call to action is friendly and professional. 

• Formatting : Keep your body text single-spaced by default but double-spaced between paragraphs for visual clarity.

Signature:  If you haven’t already thanked the reader in your closing paragraph, do so here. Sign off with your real name.

• Formatting : Whenever you present hard copies of your program manager cover letter, quadruple space to leave yourself room for a pen signature in blue or black ink.

Thank you for your time and consideration, 

Emily Padillo

• Formatting: Whenever you present hard copies of your program manager cover letter, quadruple space to leave yourself room for a pen signature in blue or black ink.

Enclosure(s):  This important part of your cover letter signals that there’s more to review. Program managers should always attach their resume with their application, any professional letters of recommendation, and anything else the job description specifically requires. 

Enclosures:  Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation

• Formatting : Choose correctly between the singular or plural form of “enclosure” depending on what you include!

Your Next Steps on the Program Management Job Hunt

You’re well on the way to an excellent program manager cover letter, but you’re not done just yet—your resume should be just as awesome! Don’t worry: We’ve made it easy by providing a great variety of tools that will help you create a standout resume.

After  outlining your resume , you might want to head over to our  popular resume templates  to get started in style. Having the right template is only half the battle, so if you don’t know  what to write in a resume , we also have multiple  program manager resume samples , like this editable one here, that are bound to give you the inspiration you need. 

Senior Program Manager Resume

Need a resume to pair with your senior program manager cover letter?

Finally, be sure to  check your resume  and polish it to shine as beautifully as your new cover letter. The effort is worthwhile when it comes to showcasing what an ideal program manager candidate you are, and we’re cheering you on as you hunt for the perfect role!

It’s better if you focus on your success as a program manager instead of listing your references at this stage, although you can list in an “Enclosures” section on your cover letter that you’re attaching references. If there’s no indication that it’s necessary, skip the references and instead dive into your leadership and the successes of your past teams.

Personalizing your cover letter can really make your whole application stand out, so it’s good to do some research—going the extra mile is an important trait for a program manager. Your first step is the PM job description ; scour it for any signs of names. Next, head to the company website and look through it carefully. LinkedIn is a great source, too—look for people who recruit for your target company and check their job titles.

Writing a strong opening paragraph is the way to go. Don’t waste precious room on things like “I’m applying because I’m interested in this position.” Instead, immediately make a connection to how the company’s mission aligns with your personal or professional interests as a program manager.

15 Program Manager Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)

Are you are looking to write a cover letter for Program Manager jobs that will impress recruiters and get you noticed by hiring managers? You need one to apply for a job, but you don’t know what to say.

The hiring process for a new job is very intricate. If you are not the right fit for the position, then your cover letter can be read in just minutes that may have taken hours to perfect. A cover letter should never be neglected because it has the power to make or break your chances of getting an interview.

Here are 15 amazing Program Manager cover letters that are professionally written and will help you stand out and get that job!

Program Manager Cover Letters

Each cover letter is written with a different focus. Review all of them and pick the ones that apply to your situation. Take inspiration from multiple samples and combine them to craft your unique cover letter.

Program Manager Sample 1

Dear _________, I am a recent graduate from _______ University. I have been an active member in both my school’s chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management and the HR Club on campus. As a student, I have had the opportunity to intern at two Fortune 500 companies in their talent acquisition departments. In my time there, I was able to contribute in many different areas including hiring processes, interviewing skills development and applicant tracking system training. My work experience has given me a strong understanding of what is involved in recruiting and managing employees effectively. I would be honored if you would consider me for this position so that I can continue working with people and further hone my skills in human resources management.

Program Manager Sample 2

Dear _____, I am writing to express my interest in the Program Manager position at your company. Every day, I take pride in the work that I do for my clients and their needs. I have excellent customer service skills, experience with problem solving, strong organization skills, supervisory experience including training other employees on policies/procedures/processes, and working well with others. You can find me on LinkedIn at ____. Thank you very much for your time reading this letter and consideration of my application for this position. I look forward to hearing from you soon! Sincerely, _________

Program Manager Sample 3

Dear Mr. So and So, I am a motivated and dedicated individual who is eager to join your team in the role of Program Manager. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, and over the past five years I have accumulated experience working in various fields such as software development, project management and quality assurance. I am well versed in the latest business practices when it comes to budgeting, team management and meeting deadlines. I also specialize in troubleshooting problematic situations by working with various departments to find solutions that work for everyone involved. As such, if you are interested in hearing more about how my skills can help your company achieve its goals, feel free to contact me at any time by email or phone so we

Program Manager Sample 4

To Whom It May Concern, I am a recent graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a dual degree in Art History and Art Education. I have been searching for a Program Manager position and your company seems like the best fit for my qualifications. I am an art-history major with an emphasis on modern art and installation art, which has kept me up to date on current exhibits in this area of study. In school I was apart of student organizations such as Campus Life Committee and Office Assistant during my freshman year. Outside of classes I have curated exhibitions at galleries in Chapel Hill using my knowledge from my history classes to help curate interesting exhibitions that suit the gallery’s needs while also educating visitors about different aspects of modern

Program Manager Sample 5

Dear Sir or Madame,

I am a customer service expert and a prolific problem-solver. I have a knack for anticipating problems before they arise and taking care of them before anything gets out of hand. I have excellent organizational skills and can juggle multiple projects simultaneously with ease. My extensive experience in the telecommunications industry has given me the opportunity to develop strong working relationships with vendors, manufacturers, carriers, retailers, affiliates, distributors and various other members of the team that are crucial to any telecom project’s success. With my intense work ethic and attention to detail you’ll never regret giving me an opportunity to do great things for your company!

Program Manager Sample 6

I am very interested in your Program Manager position. I have over 10 years of experience in project management, including leading teams to complete projects on time and under budget. At my past company, I managed six projects simultaneously, successfully completing all of them on or ahead of schedule with minimal changes to the original scope. I also led my team at the Company to launch three new product lines within a year’s time frame.

Please let me know if you need any additional material or information about my work experience that will be helpful for this position?

Program Manager Sample 7

Dear Program Manager,

I am excited about the opportunity to explore topics of interest to me and contribute to the overall program management process. I have over 10 years of total experience in this field with proven success in project coordination, completion, and quality. I look forward to discussing your organization’s needs with you in person at your convenience.

Program Manager Sample 8

I am a professional who has demonstrated vast experience throughout my career. My most recent position was as the Program Manager for an industrial company, where I oversaw the production of industrial machines. I have strong skills in industrial engineering, industrial maintenance, industrial safety, project management, and production management. As your new Program Manager your company will not just be getting someone with a degree in industrial engineering or industrial management—you will get someone who can stand behind their work and take responsibility for it.

Please contact me at (555) 555-5555 if you are interested in speaking more about this opportunity or would like to discuss my qualifications further.

Program Manager Sample 9

I am writing to express interest in the Program Manager position. As a recent graduate with an MBA degree from the University of Colorado, I have significant experience in marketing and program management. My track record includes developing events for Fortune 500 companies, successfully managing international projects, and creating aspirational marketing campaigns that activate consumers. I am confident that my diverse skillset will help me thrive in this role.

I would like to arrange a time to speak with you about my qualifications; please contact me either by email or phone. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon!

Program Manager Sample 10

I am an experienced Program Manager with over 3 years of experience managing various projects. I have a proven track record for overseeing complex or difficult projects, meeting deadlines, and delivering on campaign objectives. I would be excited to speak more about my qualifications for this position.

Program Manager Sample 11

I am writing in response to your open Program Manager position. I have over 10 years of experience in the field, and I am confident that I have the skills necessary to be an asset to your team. You can learn more about my credentials by visiting my LinkedIn profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-robertson-baffin

Thank you for considering my application,

Program Manager Sample 12

Dear ________, I am writing this letter in response to the Program Manager position posted on your website. I have over three years of experience as a Program Manager and would be a valuable asset to your organization. I am confident that my skills and qualifications will make me the perfect candidate for the job. I provide detailed attention to detail and thrive in situations where accountability is critical. My work ethic is unquestionable, as I always go above and beyond expectations for any job that I’m assigned. Please contact me at (123) 456-7890 so we can discuss how my skills can benefit you organization today!

Program Manager Sample 13

My name is ________________ and I am interested in your open position for a Program Manager. I have over 10 years of experience in this field and would love the opportunity to join your team. I am highly skilled in: -Organizing, implementing, and maintaining event logistics -Managing multiple projects simultaneously -Developing sponsorship packages and overseeing partnership agreements

Program Manager Sample 14

I am a recent graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in Strategic Management. I have two years experience as an intern at ABC Corporation where I learned the fundamentals of project management. My main areas of expertise include Project Planning, Program Management, and Customer Service.

I am writing to you today to apply for the open position as Program Manager. I hope that my qualifications are what you are looking for and that you would consider me for this position.

Program Manager Sample 15

I am writing to express my interest in the Program Manager position that will be opening up at your company. My experience in Human Resource Management has taught me the skills necessary to provide excellent service for employees and customers, while being able to collaborate with others on team projects. My extensive background in customer service has also prepared me for this position, as I have had experience resolving issues with our clients quickly and efficiently. I would welcome the opportunity to learn more about this position, or speak with you by phone or Skype if you are interested. Please email me at _____@______

Sincerely, Your Name

Recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds of applications for each job opening.

Use the above professionally written Program Manager cover letter samples to learn how to write a cover letter that will catch their attention and customize it for your specific situation.

Related Careers:

• 15 Warehouse Worker Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Fashion Stylist Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Research Scientist Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Executive Director Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Fashion Assistant Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Barista Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Bank Teller Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Child Care Worker Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Early Childhood Teacher Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Engineering Intern Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.